NABHS supports treatment for trauma-related disorders such as PTSD and acute stress disorders in a supportive and safe environment.
Unleash Yourself From The Clutches Of Trauma
Approximately 8 million adults in the US have trauma disorder, according to statistics from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication, which is a large-scale survey of mental health in the US. Teenagers and young children are not included in these figures, which simply suggests that trauma disorder has a hold on quite a number.
About
Trauma disorder is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Trauma can include events such as natural disasters, physical or sexual assault, military combat, serious accidents, or other life-threatening events. Trauma disorders can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.
Examples of events that cause trauma disorders:
- Combat Trauma: This is common in military veterans who have served in combat zones, tend to have a higher chance of developing a trauma due to the intense stress they experience during their service. The constant threat of danger, exposure to violence, and loss of comrades can lead to severe psychological distress.
- Sexual Assault Trauma: Because of the overwhelming fear, pain, and humiliation that a sexual assault carried with it, victims may experience trauma in the years following the event. Sexual assault trauma can result in long-lasting psychological consequences such as anxiety, depressive symptoms, and trouble placing trust in others.
- Natural Disaster Trauma: People who have faced a loss in life due to natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods may get trauma given the fear, and chaos that these events caused. Survivors may feel a sense of helplessness and vulnerability that can lead to long-lasting psychological disturbance.
- Medical Trauma: Patients who have undergone traumatic medical procedures, such as surgery, may also very well be prone to trauma due to the pain, fear, and loss of control that they experienced during the procedure. This kind of trauma can be particularly difficult for patients to process because it can be difficult to understand or explain.
- Car Accident Trauma: People who have been involved in car accidents, especially those having severe injuries or fatalities, may acquire trauma because of the fear it brought along. The sounds, sights, and sensations of the accident can become triggers for intense anxiety and panic attacks in such people.
Events that bring trauma can have detrimental impacts on a person’s life. Some may have mild while others may have a very severe form of symptoms after exposure to trauma. The best course of action is to look for a mental health professional who will thoroughly address the cause and prevent further trauma related disorders or any psychological mishaps.
Trauma Disorder Symptoms
Trauma can appear in a variety of ways, and its symptoms can be both physical and emotional.
- Intrusive thoughts or memories: Recurrent and distressing thoughts or memories related to the traumatic event that can be triggered by certain stimuli or occur spontaneously in a person.
- Avoidance behaviors: Trying to avoid anything that reminds one of the traumatic events, be it people, places, activities, or conversations.
- Hyperarousal: An exaggerated response to stimuli that may be perceived as a danger, leading to increased anxiety, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and being easily startled.
- Emotional numbness: A tendency to feel emotionally disconnected or numb, leading to difficulties in expressing emotions, building close relationships, and experiencing pleasure.
- Flashbacks: Vivid and intense recollections of the event that lead to trauma, which is often followed by physical sensations, such as sweating, increased heart rate, and trembling.
- Hypervigilance: Constant scanning of the environment for potential threats, leading to heightened awareness, restlessness, agitation, and trouble relaxing.
Trauma comes in many different forms:
- Acute Trauma
- Chronic Trauma
- Complex Trauma
- Secondary Trauma
- Developmental Trauma
Types Of Trauma Disorders
There several divisions to the trauma disorder after one has experienced trauma.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): This is a type of anxiety disorder that can develop after a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Symptoms include intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, hyperarousal, and negative shifts in mood or cognition.
- Acute stress disorder (ASD): Similar to PTSD, this is a type of anxiety disorder that occurs within a month of a traumatic event and lasts up to a month.
- Adjustment disorder: This is a type of stress-related disorder is triggered after a stressful life event, such as a divorce, job loss, or illness. Symptoms include anxiety, depression, and difficulty working.
- Dissociative disorders: These are a group of disorders marked by disruptions in consciousness, memory, identity, or perception. They can be related to trauma and include dissociative amnesia, depersonalization disorder, and dissociative identity disorder.
- Reactive attachment disorder (RAD): This is a disorder that can develop in children who have experienced severe neglect or trauma in early childhood. Symptoms include unable to form attachments with others, lack of trust, and withdrawing oneself emotionally.
- Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD): This is a type of PTSD that occurs after exposure to trauma for an extended period of time, especially in childhood. It’s defining features are a range of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms that can affect the daily functioning of the person.
Early intervention has been shown to help people manage their symptoms. If you know anybody who needs help after a traumatic event, encourage them to counter such triggers through medical assistance.
Treatment For Trauma Disorders
The treatment for trauma disorders depend on the type and severity of the trauma on the person. Some common ways to address the condition is by:
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and extended exposure therapy (PE), is used that can be effective in treating trauma disorders in people. These therapies not only help individuals process traumatic memories but also learn coping skills to manage their symptoms.
Medications
Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and other medications are prescribed to help control symptoms of trauma disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
Mind-body interventions
Practices such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can be effective in reducing symptoms of trauma disorders by helping people regulate their emotions and manage stress.
Group therapy
Support groups and other group therapy arrangements can be helpful in providing individuals with a sense of community and support that will provide a safe space to share experiences and that inculcate them to develop coping strategies.
Lifestyle changes
Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and good sleep patterns can also be beneficial in managing symptoms of trauma disorders and improving overall well-being.
You Don’t Have To Face This Alone
Are you exhausted dealing with the trauma disorder symptoms? Our life coaching service can help you regain control and find a path that leads you forward and happy. Call +1 (917) 267 8635 us today to learn more about the treatment plans and best yet nearest trauma centers recommendations.
